23/01 Online conferences with 20 already determined semifinalists will be held within next days on rtve website. Internet users will go an opportunity to ask them questions about the song, meaning of Eurovision for them, whom they consider as their biggest rival and others. Next week official website of Spanish preselection will also begin publishing reports about candidates preparing for galas and castings.

Here is the schedule of online-conferences:

January 26, 18.00 - Soraya
January 27, 13.00 - Melody
January 28, 13.30 - Mirela
January 29, 17.00 - Santa Fe
January 30, 17.00 - Julia Bermejo
February 2, 17.00 - Yulia Valentayn
February 3, 17.00 - Electronicboy
February 4, 17.00 - Bikini
February 5, 17.00 - Vicente Casal
February 6, 17.00 - El Secreto De Alex etc

According to Vertele, TVE has approached singer Alaska to present national selection for Eurovision 2009. She will be accompanied by TV journalist Miguel Serrano. Three semifinals will be broadcasted on Saturdays starting February 14th leading up to the final on March 7th. One of the jury members will be long time Eurovision commentator Jose Luis Uribarri. Series of castings will be held in Barcelona on January 31st.

"Те, кто работал "вживую" знают, что если ты не искренен, тебя не услышит зритель. Важно, чтобы люди чувствовали, что ты поешь", - считает представитель Беларуси на "Евровидение-2009". По мнению Петра Елфимова, вокальный уровень конкурса "Евровидение" с каждым годом растет.

Петр надеется покорить европейскую публику с песней "Глаза, которые никогда не лгут". Произведение исполняется на английском языке и, по словам артиста, рассказывает о его жизни. Это история о том, как человек долго блуждал по жизни и нашел ту единственную, которая увидела его крылья. Благодаря ей теперь он может летать - так подробно изложил содержание песни Петр по просьбе Гюнешь, которая не поняла песню.

По условиям "Еврофеста" исполнитель не может менять песню, он вправе только изменить аранжировку, отдельные текстовые обороты. Петр Елфимов рассказал, что постановка номера и шоу осознанно не делались к финалу "ЕвроФеста". "Теперь результат известен, и завтра мы начнем над этим работать. Знаю, что надо много пахать", - сказал артист. У исполнителя и его продюсера есть идеи по постановке номера, которыми они поделятся с командой профессионалов, занимающихся подготовкой конкурсанта к "Евровидению-2009". Тем не менее, исполнитель считает, что радикальных изменений в его образе не произойдет.

Петр также не намерен "выпрыгивать из штанов", но не исключает фейерверки. Свое выступление на финале "ЕвроФеста" теперь уже представитель Беларуси на "Евровидение" с точки зрения вокала оценил на 9 баллов. Зрители отдали своему кумиру 11 тыс. 475 голосов. Один из них голос Гюнешь, которая, по ее признанию, не смогла проголосовать за себя, но дозвонилась и отдала голос за любимчика публики, пишет БелТА

После проверки всех голосов RTVE опубликует окончательный список полуфиналистов во вторник.

Update: participation of Lovebugs has been officially confirmed by SF in the Glanz & Gloria show on SF1.

"Our music will remain the same", told band's frontman Adrian Sieber. He also promised that band will give it's best and they are really looking forward to the contest. "Anyway, we can not score less than 0 points", ironically mentioned singer. Spokesperson of SF Marco Meroni added that "they will be excellent representatives".

The song, which the band will perform at the contest has not yet been announced. It is possible that it will be one songs from the album "The Highest Heights" to be released next Friday. The final confirmation of song and it's presentation is expected in mid-February.

18/01 Delivering News First! Today, Swiss tabloid Blick reports that poprock band from Basel Lovebugs will represent country in the contest in Moscow. According to the newspaper five persons jury have selected the band for the contest earlier this month. However, the paper was unable to receive confirmation from the leader of the band Adrian Seibel, who rejected to comment on this question.

Newspaper states, that from 55 entrants only few candidates have met a criteria, being Swiss artists with stage experience, whose songs were listed in hit-charts and who have an international reach. Among them were Gola, who was considered last year and rejected, rock band Gotthard that stated the competition is unsuitable for them, and Francine Jordi who already represented country seven years ago.

Newspaper hints that the task is not an easy one. No artist with Swiss nationality has managed since 1991 to enter top 10 in the competition, among them even was DJ Bobo. Now, Swiss fans can hope that the change in the rules will bring a better prospects for a Swiss entrant.

But Lovebugs are ready to take the risk, in 2009 Basel quintet is celebrating the 15th Birthday and they are releasing on 23 January it's tenth album ("The Highest Heights"). Even more: Two years ago it conquered the charts in duet with Norwegian singer Lene Marlin. And for the new album, it has even the Irish producer Richard Rainey (who worked with U2) brought on board.

Earlier this week, Swiss daily 20minuten has revealed that the decision on Switzerland representative at the contest has been already taken, but will be publicly presented in mid-February. Newspaper also quoted several entrants unhappy with the result of internal preselection, among them Arjeta Zuta from Popstars and Sandro Dietrich from Musicstar, whose proposals were rejected by the broadcaster. SF spokesperson, Marco Meroni, said: "The jury is selecting each year the best song for the participation in the contest and this year we've preferred another artist". Now, 20minuten also confirms Lovebugs selection, stating that "The Pop-band brings everything that is needed for ESC".

По его словам, вопрос стоял так: "Если сумма будет собрана до утра 16 января - мы участвуем. Если нет - тогда извините". Переговоры о финансировании участия Латвии в Евровидении с государством не велись. "Это невозможно", - отметил заместитель гендиректора LTV. Таким образом, единственной надеждой оставалась помощь спонсоров.

Также, сегодня издание "Вечерние новости" сообщило, что в случае участия Латвии в конкурсе было решено, что страну представит певец Донс, который исполнит песню Раймонда Паулса. Телеканал LTV отказался подтвердить данную информацию, заметив, что никакого решения о методе отбора пока не принималось.

"Ireland's Eurovision entry has basically gone to pot over the last few years, they have all been a total embarrassment. Over in the UK, Andrew Lloyd Webber has come on board but we don't seem to be taking it seriously. I've been speaking with a lot of people and I reckon a modern Bucks Fizz would work so I'm looking for two guys and two girls who are aged between 16 to 25 years of age, and who are natural-born performers", said James. "I've got some really good tracks from people who have written for the likes of Rihanna and Westlife, so finding the right song won't be a problem. We do a lot of gigs and we know the younger market inside and out and know what appeals to people," he continued. "I've known Louis Walsh for years so I asked for his advice, given that he managed two of our previous Eurovision winners and he's on exactly the same wavelength as us. He'll probably come on board at some stage as well."

He's now hoping that his chosen band will then be selected by RTE as one of the finalists on the Late Late Show special later this year. "We want people who can sing and dance. We're looking for a High School Musical-style group. It's all about having fun with it," he added. "I know everyone slags off the Eurovision, but it's still one of the most-watched shows of the year. It's time to stop repeating the mistakes of the past by sending over people like Donna & Joe and do it properly, bring back a bit of national pride."

Allegedly, last year Eurosong finalist Donal Skehan will be involved in this project.

Update 18/01. Though castings for James Hyland's band go on today in Dublin, Louis Walsh has completely denied his involvement, stating: "It's nonsense - completely untrue. I think Ireland will have a good entry this year but I'm not involved with it. I'm too busy with my own groups like Westlife and Boyzone. Having said that, I reckon we have a better chance this year because of the new voting system. After Dustin last year, things can only get better".

The shows will present the artists' lives and personalities, the songs but also, as RTVA aims to showcase the Andorran music scene, local artists will be presented as well. A half hour Eurovision special will also be included in the program each week, showing former Andorran Eurostars today through funny clips.

12/01 Delivering News First! Band Regina with song "Bistra voda" (Clean water) will represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow. Song is written by band member and usual songwriter Aleksandar "Aco" Covic.

Following persons were in preselection jury: Dejan Kukric (BHT), Jasmin Ferovic (BH Radio), Adnan Musanovic (BHRT), Goran Kovacic, Miroslav Maraus, Damir Imamovic, Mahir Sarihodzic. 79 songs were received in a public submission.

Lead singer of the band, Davor Ebner took part in Bosnian preselection 2001 with band Gruntibugli and song Ko Mi Te Uze, finishing 7th.

The band was formed in 1990, in Sarajevo. Three friends: Aco, Bojan and Denis started garage band. First problem was to find great singer, with something unique in voice.  After big search for singer, Davor Ebner appeared, and the band was in the game. Year 1990. was published first album. Name of album was "Regina".  After publishing first album concerts went on in big scale. At beginning on territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and very soon all over Yugoslavia. Band reached a high level of popularity among rock population, and for some concert there was need for additional performance.

Songs for the second album were created at the start of 90's. Author of lyrics and music, Aleksandar Cabric, was inspired by "U2". Band was practicing for live performance in small garage near Marin- Dvora in Sarajevo. From first album songs " Spavaj", "Ne pitaj me" and " Kao nekada ona" become big hits, still very popular in ex- YU.

In the year 1992. Regina is releasing the " Ljubav nije za nas". This album boost band to true rock stars in Yugoslavia. During the civil war band falls apart. The band continues to play  from 1992. to 1999. under leadership of Aleksandar Covic. Regina with Aco and new members publish  albums: "Regina", " Oteto od zaborava", " Godine lete", " Ja nisam kao drugi", " Kad zatvorim oci" and " Devedesete". After 2000. Aco and Davor  have been working on their solo carriers, but still in shadow of former success  with Regina.

The band then reunited with original member's again in 2006, releasing the album " Sve mogu ja". Since reunion bend achieves many awards all over ex Yugoslavia. Concert tour " Sve mogu ja" is hitting cities all across the country.

Song presentation is expected on March 1, during the televised special.

Представитель союза исполнителей Израиля, бывший членом жюри отбора заявил Ynet.co.il: "Я весьма ценю Марину как певицу и человека. Она сама сняла свою кандидатуру, чтобы не повредить чувства людей, поскольку для многих вопрос о ее службе в Израильской армии является очень важным (Весной Марина начнет выполнять свой воинский долг). Я надеюсь, что мы увидим ее в будущем на Евровидении и я очень доволен выбором Ачиноам Нини. Она в настоящее время вторая по известности израильская певица зарубежом и я уверен, что мы будем гордиться ее выступлением". В случае, если Ноа не сможет выступить на конкурсе, в качестве резервной кандидатуры назначено трио "Nehama Girls".

Как сообщает Маарив, Ноа согласилась принять участие в Евровидении только в дуэте с арабо-израильской исполнительницей Мирой Авад. "В настоящий период очень важно донести до тысяч зрителей месседж о мире", заявили представители исполнителей. Теперь, певицы должны будут представить 3 песни на национальный отбор - мини Кдам-Евровидение, из которых зрители и жюри выберут ту, которая представит страну на конкурсе.

В официальном заявлении, подтверждающем выбор Ноа и Миры, представители IBA весьма негативно отреагировали на таблоидные слухи о израильском выборе, появлявшиеся в прессе. Например, один из британских таблоидов до последнего момента утверждал, что "практически окончательно утверждена" кандидатура Майи Бускила. "Оргкомитет выражает свое удивление индустрией слухов и многочисленных ошибочных публикаций и намеренного введения в заблуждение, особенно в свете того, что отборочное жюри только сегодня впервые собралось для принятия решения".

Некоторые выступления Ноа вы можете увидеть здесь, а один из ее дуэтов с Мирой - здесь. Дополнительная информация - страница Израиля

Композиция Марка Дурандо "Estrelles d'or" в Андоррском отборе была дисквалифицирована, после того как ESCKaz эксклюзивно сообщил, что ее демо версия принимала участие в прошлогоднем испанском отборе Salvemos Eurovision под названием Estrellas en azul, заняв 353 место.

В конкурсе ее заменила песня "Passio Obsessiva" в исполнении Mar Capdevilla (участницы Андоррского отбора 2004-2005 годов), написанная испанской командой Хосеп Рока, Хосе Хуан Сантана и Гонзало Вандельвира. Эта песня занимала следующее место, согласно результатам голосования андоррского жюри, состоявшегося 13го декабря.